Why You’ll Love High Protein Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe
This recipe is easy to prepare with just a few minutes of assembly before the slow cooker does the rest. It is packed with protein from the ground beef or turkey and lentils, making it satisfying enough for lunch or dinner. The riced cauliflower keeps it extra hearty while adding vegetables without making the soup heavy. It also has all the familiar stuffed pepper flavors in a simpler, more convenient one-pot format. This soup is great for meal prep, freezer-friendly, and easy to customize based on what you have on hand.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb extra lean ground beef or turkey, cooked and drained
½ yellow onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
14 oz can diced tomatoes, with juices
3 cups low sodium beef broth
1 ¾ cups tomato sauce
2 tsp dried oregano
1.5 tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
3 cups riced cauliflower
540 mL can lentils, rinsed and drained
Shredded cheddar cheese, optional for topping
Directions
In a 6-quart slow cooker, add the cooked ground beef, diced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, tomato sauce, oregano, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, worcestershire sauce, riced cauliflower, and lentils.
Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 6 to 8 hours.
Once the soup is finished cooking and the vegetables are tender, taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Serve hot and top with shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Prep time is about 20 minutes, and cook time is 4 hours on high or 6 to 8 hours on low. Total time is about 4 hours 20 minutes when cooked on high.
Variations
You can make this soup with ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option. For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño. If you want a more traditional stuffed pepper soup texture, stir in cooked rice near the end of cooking instead of using riced cauliflower. Black beans can be added for even more fiber and protein. For a richer flavor, use fire-roasted diced tomatoes. You can also swap cheddar for mozzarella or Monterey Jack as a topping.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each one. If the soup thickens after storage, add a splash of broth or water while reheating.
FAQs
Can I use raw ground beef in the slow cooker?
This recipe is written for cooked ground beef or turkey. Browning the meat first gives better flavor and texture and helps avoid excess grease in the soup.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey works very well in this recipe and keeps it a little lighter while still providing plenty of protein.
Do I need to thaw frozen riced cauliflower first?
No, frozen riced cauliflower can go directly into the slow cooker without thawing first.
Can I add rice to this soup?
Yes, you can stir in cooked rice near the end of cooking if you want a more classic stuffed pepper soup texture.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before storing it in freezer-safe containers.
What type of lentils should I use?
Canned lentils are the easiest option here because they are already cooked and only need to be rinsed and drained.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can skip the meat, use vegetable broth, and add more lentils or beans for a vegetarian version.
How do I make the soup thicker?
For a thicker soup, reduce the broth slightly or let the soup cook uncovered for a short time near the end if your slow cooker allows it.
What toppings go well with this soup?
Shredded cheddar cheese is a great topping, but sour cream, chopped parsley, or sliced green onions also work well.
Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can chop the vegetables and cook the meat ahead of time, then store everything in the refrigerator until you are ready to add it to the slow cooker.
Conclusion
High Protein Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup is an easy, wholesome dinner that combines comfort food flavor with a nourishing, protein-packed twist. With simple ingredients, flexible variations, and effortless slow cooker preparation, this soup is a great choice for busy weeknights, meal prep, or cozy family dinners.
